The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) initiated action against two prominent housing societies in Pune’s Bhugaon and Bhukum areas.
These societies are alleged to have violated environmental regulations by discharging untreated sewage directly into the Ramnadi River, causing significant concern among local residents and environmental activists. The Ramnadi River, once a vital water source for villages like Bhukum, Bhugaon, and Pashan, has been subjected to increasing pollution levels due to unchecked sewage disposal. Residents have reported that these housing societies are bypassing sewage treatment protocols, opting instead to release waste directly into the river to cut maintenance costs. This practice not only contravenes environmental laws but also poses serious health risks to the local population.
Local gram panchayats have taken note of these violations. The Bhugaon gram panchayat issued a notice to the offending housing society, demanding a written explanation within five days to avoid legal repercussions. Similarly, the Bhukum gram panchayat highlighted the malfunctioning sewage treatment plant (STP) of another society, emphasizing the need for immediate corrective measures to prevent further contamination of the Ramnadi River. The MPCB’s sub-regional officer confirmed that inspections revealed the release of untreated sewage into the river by these societies. Show cause notices are being prepared, and further legal action is anticipated if compliance is not achieved promptly.
Environmental activists have long criticized the lack of stringent oversight by authorities like the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), which grants occupancy certificates without ensuring the presence of functional STPs. This oversight has led to a pattern of negligence, where housing societies operate without adequate sewage treatment facilities, exacerbating the pollution of the Ramnadi River. The situation has drawn the attention of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which previously summoned local bodies, including the Bhugaon and Bhukum gram panchayats, over similar allegations. The NGT emphasized the need for a comprehensive survey of the river’s entire stretch to identify and rectify pollution sources.
Residents and environmental groups are calling for immediate action to address this environmental crisis. They urge the MPCB and local authorities to enforce existing environmental regulations strictly and to ensure that all housing societies comply with sewage treatment requirements. The health of the Ramnadi River and the well-being of the communities it supports depend on swift and decisive action.
As the city continues to expand, balancing development with environmental sustainability remains a pressing challenge. The Ramnadi River’s plight serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting environmental safeguards in the pursuit of urban growth.
Pune Housing Societies Under Scrutiny for Ramnadi River Pollution
